Texas A&M Football: Way-too-early 2019 two-deep depth chart
By Shelbie Warr
Linebackers
Starting Linebackers: Anthony Hines, Buddy Johnson, Ikenna Okeke
Backups: Riley Garner, Keeath Mageel
The Aggies have a couple of holes to fill at linebacker with Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson leaving for the NFL. Both were big-time playmakers and seemed to be at the center of many different game-winning moments. They’ll each be missed. There are quite a few players who will be filling those spots, led by Anthony Hines, Buddy Johnson and Ikenna Okeke.
Hines and Okeke will both be returning from injuries that knocked them out of the 2018 season. Look for both of them to start out for the 2019 season as both have the talent to be top linebackers in the conference. As a sophomore, Buddy Johnson appeared in 11 games and recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 TFL and recovered a fumble. He filled in the hole left by the two mentioned above and did so wonderfully. Look for him to likely start in that in that middle linebacker position for Jimbo in 2019.
Riley Garner and Keeath Mageel, as well as quite a few freshman, could probably see a bit of playing time, but the three mentioned above will likely hold down the fort for most of the season, barring any injury of course.